TORONTO, March 23 /CNW/ - Scotiabank has once again been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. The prestigious annual listing is part of the 'Canada's Top 100 Employers Project' and this year recognized 45 organizations for excellence in having a diverse and inclusive workplace.

"Scotiabank has a proud history of treating employees equitably, fairly and with respect and believes strongly in the strengths that come from a diverse workforce," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank. "We have long understood that harnessing the skills of all employees generates innovative thinking and strong business results. We are extremely honoured to be named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers."

"This competition honours employers that have developed exceptional inclusiveness programs for employees from five groups: women; visible minorities; persons with disabilities; Aboriginal people, and, LGBT peoples, said Tony Meehan, Publisher, Canada's Top 100 Employers. "Employers selected for this award understand the business case for equity and are actively promoting diversity in their organizations."

This year, more than 2,600 employers started the application process for the 2010 Canada's Top 100 Employers Project, which was then reduced to several hundred short listed employers for the Best Diversity Employer Award. Each employer's diversity and inclusiveness programs were reviewed to determine how these efforts compared to those of other employers in their field.

Scotiabank's 'Advancement of Women' initiatives topped a list of seven reasons the Bank was selected as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. The "ScotiaWomen's Connection" online resources guide, as well as quarterly networking sessions for women employed at all levels within the bank received special mention. Also noteworthy was Scotiabank's regular measurement of its women's workforce representation targets, and requirement that managers and senior executives be accountable for Scotiabank's progress in this area.

Other reasons for selection included Scotiabank's diversity training for hiring managers, recruitment targets for Aboriginal peoples, accommodation and accessibility programs and funds to support disabled job applicants and employees, and initiatives with external employment services to recruit employees from diversity groups, in particular.

"At Scotiabank we value and celebrate diversity," said Cory Garlough, Vice President, Global Employment Strategies, Scotiabank. "Our steadfast commitment to diversity can be found throughout all of our policies and programs which are designed to attract and retain employees with diverse skills, talents and experiences. We work very hard to create an environment in which all employees have the opportunity to thrive in their careers. We are proud to have been recognized again as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers."

About Scotiabank
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Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With close to 68,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 14.6 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With more than $507 billion in assets (as at January 31, 2010), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.